YARN SUBSTITUTION EXPLAINED 🧶

Today we're talking about things to consider when substituting yarn in a knitting pattern.
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Quick Bite:
In this knitting podcast episode, Tayler explains four key things to consider when making a yarn substitution for a knitting project. She emphasizes that the yarn weight and gauge are not covered in this video. Tayler explains that the four key elements to consider when substituting yarn are fiber content, color, texture, and density. She highlights the importance of fiber content, explaining that different fibers have different characteristics, and if you want a garment to drape and look a certain way, it's important to use a similar fiber content. Tayler gives examples of different fiber types such as cellulose fiber and how they behave differently from wool. She also talks about the characteristics of different fibers, such as resiliency, stretch, and warmth. She cautions against replacing wool fiber with alpaca fiber, as alpaca fibers do not have the same moisture-wicking properties as wool.
Yarn Mentioned:
Knit Picks Comfy Sport
shrsl.com/3y8gy
Knit Picks High Desert Worsted
shrsl.com/3y8h2
Green Mountain Spinnery Weekend Wool
www.spinnery.c...
Patons Classic Wool Worsted in Brown Mustard
amzn.to/3IymaVx
Knit Collage Daisy Chain
knitcollage.co...
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[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Hi everyone! Today’s video was a fun one, but alas due to time constraints, I did not address every single thing. These four considerations, however, are in my opinion the most essential things to consider when substituting yarn. Let me know your thoughts in the comments here!

[@MichaelaDrechselova]

hi tayler. bad news - just got a scam reply on this video. letting you know just so you are aware. I'm so sorry this happened. :(

[@stherrien3333]

@@MichaelaDrechselova Same!!!! Ugh people suck!!!

[@shelleymitchell4670]

Me too

[@3_yarn_arts]

me too :(

[@mstryk4yt]

Yup, I got the same as well. The prizes were the ball winder, knitting bag and the franken sweater! Then, sensing a scam, I just for a PDF version of the sweater pattern. The response was the package are on their way! Sorry this is happening Taylor.

[@vinnie_451]

I feel like this is the exact info I needed to up my knitting skills and feel more comfortable picking out my first sweater pattern.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I’m so glad! Thank you for watching!❤

[@keturahspencer]

I can't like this video enough. As a spinner, woolen can look even more fluffy after washing. Making a swatches and washing is suggested. Another difference worth noting is that woolen is warmer, but not as strong worsted yarn. For something like sock heels you may not want to use woolen yarn. Also, 2 ply is fantastic for lace, but for cables 3 & 4 ply yarns will make them pop. A few more notes, yards per pound (YPP) should be on the label. And concerning fibers. Mixing them can sometimes help with the desired. Mixing alpaca with sheep yarn can help with getting a desired result. I do however advocate for experimentation with smaller projects before projects. 😊

[@valerieconrad1005]

I went into slight panic mode because I have never thought about anything other than weight when substituting yarn. But now that I know more of what to consider, I can keep it in mind and make better decisions to get what I want! Also, I appreciate how nonjudgmental you are when you are talking about options, even when it's a hypothetical braid! I've got lots of curly hair and it is difficult to get a "worsted spun" anything with my hair 😆

[@Mushy07]

Saaamme😂😂

[@sprightlysyndicate]

I feel like I just went to yarn school and I mean that in the best possible way!!! Super informative and super engaging. Thanks so much Tayler!!!

[@judeoliver5256]

An absolutely brilliant video!! Packed with information and presented in such a straightforward way, using great and memorable examples. You are a born teacher Taylor and your enthusiasm is wonderful! I know you put a huge amount of time and consideration into your videos yet each one of them looks effortless and spontaneous. I always feel as though I am sitting in your knitting room with you as you speak!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you so much Jude. This just makes my night. Truly it does. I’m so glad you enjoyed this. ❤

[@Fluffcat65]

Ah, exactly what I feel, too!

[@juyoungkimm]

4 years into knitting and I so wish I had seen this years ago! Just starting to understand the density part and really appreciates the full layout of how other aspects can differ Lessons learned: key themes - fiber content, colour, texture, and density 1. cellulose fibres aren't all interchangeable 2. sheep fibres (wool) should be replaced with wool 3. camelid species like yak, alpaca, llama tend to lack resiliency (alpaca tends to grow, maybe heavier?) 4. density, density, density! it's so important in how you want it to sit and flow on your body 5. Worsted vs woolen spun: worsted is 'neat'ly spun vs woolen is spongier 6. roving vs spun wool is a bigger difference 7. cable design requires more yardage so stay with lighter yarn

[@TheVadsten]

This is super nerdy and so informative. I love it.

[@jennmarie123]

That red pencil roving gives big phentex energy ⚡

[@BeautifulOaks]

Its so cool that you showed the facts through math and the use of a scale to hit the content home!🎉😅❤

[@natalieglickman1445]

Thanks for this one! I learned a few new things! I’m always very intimidated when looking for yarn for a project. Many of my knitting projects are pretty much exactly as prescribed by the pattern. For one, when I see a picture of the sample and I am drawn to it, I just want to make that exact item, down to the very same color. And second, I am seldom confident that I can pick the right yarn that will give me the right gauge and produce a nice result. It’s just safer to use the exact yarn that the pattern calls for. (Plus it is a way to deal with choice overload.) I admire all the knitters out there who are more adventurous and really make something “their own” rather than copying the sample. Hopefully as I get more experience knitting I will be able to substitute without hesitation.

[@natalieglickman1445]

Hi again. Just an extra two cents from me- when you referred to the yarn example as “chained” I was expecting a yarn that is referred to as “chainette” construction. Woolfolk Far is one type of this yarn. It’s a very neat yarn I don’t have a ton of experience with it but it’s really cool how the plies are interlocked and remind me of a Chinese finger trap toy.

[@stherrien3333]

This was a fantastic video! I’ve been knitting for over 25 years and I never really understood the differences but now I do so thank you so much!!

[@jamiecrucefix4078]

This video was so informative about the different caracteristics of different yarns and how they wear over time- Thank you-

[@RegrettablyLongwinded]

A truly essential watch for us less seasoned knitters. I wish I'd known all of these things years ago! It would have really kept me from being disappointed when I subbed bamboo yarn for wool.... Basically no stretch, but also quite slippery! Lovely feel and shine, though. Alas, those fingerless gloves have not seen much use 😅

[@KnitsByNayla]

Yarn density 🤯🤯🤯 As I’m heading into my first ever test knit, this was soooo helpful as I’m looking for yarn alternatives

[@KenZchameleon]

It's so obvious now! There are 4 or 5 projects where I subbed yarn and I didn't get what I wanted and was so disappointed. Next time I'll consider the density. Thanks for this!!

[@Katepwe]

Super great info! It’s my understanding that a garment knit with woolen spun will be much lighter in weight then with worsted spun and will be possibly warmer. I jumped the gun on my comment……you explained this in your density explanation!

[@liziking306]

This podcast is jam-packed with so much wonderful information. I feel like you can even break this down even further... I definitely have so so so much to learn... Thank you for continually sharing your knowledge with us Tayler. This is why you are so loved by us. 🙂Have a wonderful day!

[@jla110661]

Things I have never even thought of.... all of this. Very enlightening.

[@conniedunfield7601]

Hi Taylor, I think I have to take you with me when buying yarn for my project! ha

[@ildonoa3928]

The hair analogy is on point for those of us with curly hair :). My hair is only combed during wash day, so most days hair styling is more of a negotiation than a process. One small note: yak down is closer to cashmere than the camelid fibers, though it doesn't pill as easily as cashmere. Yaks are bovine (cows). I'm surprised no one has though to rebrand yak as Cash Cow. I love me some sock yarn with yak fiber added. Also, if you are ever going to swatch, it is SO IMPORTANT when substituting yarns. This is really the best way to get a feel for how you will enjoy the finished product.

[@nata6025]

Cash cow XD I love this! Thank you for laughs

[@akshathakini157]

This video is a treasure trove of information about yarn! Tayler you can charge for providing such knowledge! Thank you for your generosity! You are enabling so many knitters and crocheters out there!

[@lauriekimmelstiel2976]

I like to make a distinction between elasticity and stretch. Most sheep based fibers (100% wool) have a natural elasticity, where as celloluse or plant based fibers have the ability to stretch but alas have no elasticity to return to their initial condition. Cotton or cellulose fibers blended with man made fibers such as acrylics or even animal fibers will react differently and it is harder to compare them to wool.

[@maryburns2897]

This is so helpful. You answered so many questions I had and explained beautifully. Please do one on gauge. Thank you

[@ddno1stnalwys]

Thank you for explaining this! I never understood why my gauge wouldn't match up when I substitute what I thought was the same weight yarn.

[@BeautifulOaks]

Great comparisons on the same sweater pattern with different weight, texture and trait yarn!

[@elg3818]

Thank you for taking the time to explain all of this. I kind of knew it but it's nice and interesting to have it all laid down like that, it make me realize a lot about yarn and wool!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching.

[@roxannetarjan1411]

Taylor, I just want to say your creative space makes me so happy and welcoming! It’s an amazing insight into who you are. Thanks so much. Great episode.

[@staceyh2028]

This is a great video resource!! I've known about the difference in cotton vs wool for a long time for garments, but your explanation around density and texture really helped me understand how I can better substitute in the future. Fantastic video! Thanks so much.

[@almyndgal]

Great video! Very informative! Also have to add… whenever I’m on a crochet kick and I watch one of your videos it makes me want to pick up one of my many knitting wips 😅

[@knittingghost]

Omg the music with the drape + weight examples! That really got me! 🤣

[@leiterfam]

This popped up in my feed today- I was just thinking yesterday that I need to learn a bit more about the effects of fiber content!!

[@TheRonchi]

This is a wonderful video on the subject. Not always I can buy the yarn suggested at reasonable time or price and then I wonder what to buy instead apart from the usual weight/yardage/gauge. Your video is so much help. Thank you.

[@ARIESWOMAN1959]

As I begin my sweater knitting journey, this is such great info. Thank you for keeping us informed.

[@Helensbusyhands]

That was insanely informative. I'm planning on taking the dive into garment making either late this year or early next and never realised how much I would need to think of with changing the yarn. Thank you so much ❤️

[@jennifercook6863]

Your hair is darling! Growing out hair is a pain, and you always look so chic. Happy Weekend!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Gosh, thank you so much Jennifer. It’s been really difficult growing it out so this makes me feel much more confident. 😅❤❤

[@jennifermassello8670]

Thank you! This helps a lot- I want to make a sweater but investing in a sweater qty only to have it not be something I love is holding me back. Now I know more of what to look for!

[@melissaemery8686]

Great information! I’m a bit overwhelmed but I’m saving this video to watch again as I get a little more adventurous with my knitting. 🤯

[@debadams5676]

Thanks Tayler - so helpful to know why my creations don't look the same as the samples!! Saved this one as I definitely think I'll be referring back to it :)

[@e.c7191]

You're the best. Coming from a new knitter Bklyn in the house. Thanks again bless

[@phoener]

Whatever is wrong with KZbin's algorithm that it didn’t bring your videos to my notice until last week or so?!? I’d sit and binge the catalog, but I’m afraid of OD'ing on info! 🤯 Thank you so much for your time and for sharing.

[@thesquishstitch]

Your explanation between woolen spun vs. worsted spun was brilliant! I learned so much from this video, especially about texture and density. I for sure have made some mistakes in picking yarn for specific projects. Live and learn!!

[@JaytheBee]

I am absolutely HOOKED on your videos! I dont even knit, I crochet (I find knitting too complicated, maybe one day...), but still WNH days are becoming my favourite days! Talking about yarn, how fibres affect your finished fabric. And also just the way you talk and how you approach your craft, I'm just inhaling all your content 😂 I love it, keep it up! 😍

[@claudiar4235]

Invaluable information, thank you. I’m in the process of recreating a store bought sweater I saw on line and this is so timely as I choose between various yarns for the project. ❤️

[@deniseconsiglio-lahti6443]

Very helpful. I will need to rewatch this many times over. So many questions regarding my stash. Thank you

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

My pleasure Denise. Thank you for watching!

[@Arieltheonly]

alot of good info didn't know there was so many variations of yarn. some of them I've never heard of, maybe because I only shop at Michaels lol, and buy acrylic. Would be interesting to see a swatch of all these types of yarn to see how they lay and look.

[@user-nm4td3xf1j]

I love those explanations!!! Now it all make sense!

[@lorikirkwood5414]

Thanks for a lesson on all the variables that need to be considered when substituting yarns! Very good and lots to consider. I wanted to point out that the difference between woolen yarn and worsted yarn is in the preparation before actually spinning. The woolen is fuzzier because of the way the fibers are prepared for spinning, usually shorter fibers and "rolled" into a rolag (in hand spinning) so that the fibers are not parallel. Worsted is, as you noted, not so fuzzy. It has longer fibers that are combed parallel to each other, and when spun, the fibers will stay parallel, making a smooth, strong yarn. It is important when weaving cloth. Have you ever looked closely at a man's expensive woven wool suit? The threads are so small and strong and not fuzzy, which makes a high quality cloth. I hope you can understand my attempt at explaining!

[@chrissy24-7]

Wow I thought I was doing so great subbing yarn, but now I'll double check because I wasn't considering half of these things when I made plans for my stash with my queue! The forces between woolen and worsted spun, your description was awesome!! It totally makes sense to me!

[@Aemaryllis_the_Hobbit_Huntress]

I have always used acrylic and graduated up to using premium acrylic for sweaters and superwash wool. I've noticed that if you're not used to it, then you have a little bit of a reaction to just wool. I do use a mix of 20/80 wool or 10/90 acrylic and alpaca mix.

[@lindanoseworthy8594]

Great info taylor. Now I know the difference between worsted and unspun. Great podcast

[@holoinfinity4691]

Took my first exam of the semester today, really exhausted from the studying my friend & I attempted but glad it's done. I'm now at home for my spring break and so happy to finally able to watch this video!

[@knittinghands23]

Thank you for sharing all this information. Because I am a visual learner, your examples have helped and encouraged me through my process of knitting. Much of my knitting materials are and have been gifted to me. I play with all kinds of yarn. I look and endeavor to find patterns that work within the yardage I have been given. Now I am understanding how making the same pattern several times (usually children's items for charity gifting) with different yarns yields such different outcomes. Thank you for providing a visual explanation, as well as content information, in a manner within how I process information. It has been incredibly enlightening. 😀😀😀💚💚💚

[@suzannecarr5871]

This was immensely helpful. Thank you.

[@Treasacello]

Lots of interesting information. Thanks very much!

[@gabriellejacobs1192]

Wow! Really useful information.

[@mushkyzajac8356]

Definitely an insightful video that will help me be a better craftsperson.

[@streakyj2]

i have made that mistake--subbing in an alpaca-tencel yarn for a wool. oy!! :-/ it grew, ...but sliver lining: i just gave that sweater away to another knitter whom it fit *perfectly, who loves it 🙂

[@abigailrichard4600]

If I had only known this before knitting my honeycomb sweater, I could have saved myself a huge disappointment. Thank you for this informational video, super helpful

[@kristinanguyen7256]

This is an amazing video as a beginner knitter. I just finished my first beanie, and it was so stiff. However, I know how to pick my yarn now!! Keep it up

[@ashleylachapelle7932]

Would love to see a video on all the different yarn fibers and the differences between them including what types of projects they are good for!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Yes!! Absolutely. It’s coming. ❤️

[@ccpperrett7522]

Thank you, Taylor. This talk helped me understand yarn choices so much better.

[@gandyzgiftz7508]

I want to thank you so much for this video. I learned a lot I never imagined. Now I know why things might not look the way I want when I do yarn subs.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

It’s my pleasure! I’m so glad you found it helpful. ❤️

[@barbaraklaser3681]

I've been knitting for about 30 years, and I definitely learned something from this video! Thank you. It also helps explain some knitting heartbreak I've experienced, such as knitting an elaborately cabled sweater for someone who insisted they couldn't wear wool and wanted acrylic instead. Fail! I thought my swatch failed me, but a smallish swatch can't show you what the weight of a dense yarn will do when knitted into a large object.

[@katrinalevin4064]

I really liked this video, I was not thinking about density when choosing wool, now I will!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you Katrina! I’m glad this was helpful. ❤️

[@vickik2369]

As a beginning knitter, I am so glad I came across your video. I have had a few disappointing results and this info will help me to make better yarn choices going forward. Thank you! 🎉

[@ladydlc550]

I learned so much from this video. I watch a lot of different knitting podcasts, but I cannot recall anyone addressing the real weight of the yarn in terms of grams/yardage. This is valuable information.

[@sherismith9517]

What an absolutely educational program. Thanks for your work. I wonder if this is why you often knit with fibers you have not dyed? Are the bases you dye on chosen for your choice or more for the availability? And those you knit with for a purpose? Your colors are truly exquisite and I would want to knit with them all of the time. 😊

[@karenmwangi9807]

Thank you, I really appreciated this information and the way it was so clearly presented.

[@35406]

This put into words so much I have been doing instinctively with fabric and yarn. But now I understand it so much better. Thank you.

[@MichaelaDrechselova]

tayler, that music to the sweater dancing is absolutely everything. thank you for making my day. 😄❤

[@ekaterinakarapetian944]

Great video! Thank you so much Tayler! Very helpful

[@Janesdesigns]

Great information. Love you channel.

[@cindyfrye3026]

Thank you for demystifying the world of yarn. I had no idea how little I knew about it.

[@angeladent4175]

Such great information, so helpful. Thankyou 👍

[@debbieperea95]

I’m going to rewatch this video when I’m well rested. A lot for me to understand. Thanks for sharing all of this great information 👍🏻🧶🥰🥰

[@nancyisenberg6371]

Thank you, thank you! I wish someone would have explained all of these yarns choices when I first started knitting garments! I've had so many "fails" - sweaters that I spent months on...only to find that the finished garment wasn't what I had hoped. Thanks for your clear explanation!

[@leslien529]

Thanks so much for the great explanation of woolen spun vs worsted spun. I’ve been knitting for many years but never really understood the difference. Loved the hair/wool analogy.

[@catherinecunningham7126]

I have this habit of seeing pretty yarn and buying it, getting it home and realizing that it’s not “normal” yarn and I have no clue how to use it or rather what to use it in! This really helped, thank you Tayler! I keep seeing so any podcasters showing Knit Collage yarn!!!!! I would love to try it but it’s a bit too rich for my blood..... but that Flower Power cardi is gorgeous!!!!!

[@katpraeuner9794]

Yes! I went to their website to purchase some and OMG! While it is gorgeous yarn, I didn't feel comfortable spending $400 on a cardigan quantity. So I'll just live vicariously through those who have. I have purchased cardi quantity specialty yarn before and was very disappointed in mine vs the one I actually tried on. Same pattern same yarn. No clue what I did wrong but I ended up frogging it and making a vest out of it and a scarf or shawl. Still had leftover so I put it in my give away pile last month and it went to a friend who knits and can't afford much yarn. Wool and Wine podcast talks a lot about different yarn and they often make the same garment with different yarn. It's interesting to see the differences. I'd love to try Nutiden but I am trying not to buy yarn since I have so much already. (hence the trash bag full of donated yarn)

[@maryrippey6173]

Thank you so much for the information you share. Your way of presenting thing is so good

[@creativevibes442]

Excellent video very informative. I recently found your channel and have been binge watching 👏👏

[@markiejsis4240]

This has been extremely useful to me. Thank you so much.

[@Fluffcat65]

Hi from Germany! I love how you teach your audience! Extremely interesting and helpful. Thanks a lot!

[@Mushy07]

Thank you! I learned so much from this! ❤

[@angelamassey9517]

I really love your informative videos!

[@terrycammack7230]

Great video! The analogy of the braided hair to explain worsted and woolen was brilliant! I finally understand the two!

[@mstryk4yt]

It is an awesome and very helpful video!

[@lieslnew8247]

WOW!! So much info presented so effortlessly (I’m looking at you bed-head braid 😊). I have just been having these thoughts myself - I substituted an Alpaca yarn for 100% acrylic because I liked the colour variation BUT it is for a scarf and I just don’t like the way the acrylic feels against my neck compared to how the alpaca would. 😢

[@TheSablelou]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thanks for doing all the hard work to give us all this wonderful content and help to make our projects the best they can be!

[@danyellewalters501]

Thanks for all your great info!

[@jacquistyles4276]

This video is so full of fantastic information! I have added it to my ‘saved’ list and will be great to use as a resource when I’m choosing yarn for patterns in future. Thank you so much 😁

[@kristinm3729]

Hi T: I believe that chainette yarn is different from blown yarn - although they are frequently referred to interchangeably. I've worked with both and the diff is that the blown yarn is a tube into which fibre is blown (and that tube can look like a chain). Chainette yarn, like Woolfolk FAR, is actually yarn that's been icorded, which sounds very strange, I realize. It's got a hollow core. This gives the yarn a lot of resilience and strength, limits pilling and tends to be lighter weight than other yarns in its gauge family. It's much less common in my experience, than the blown yarns (which are all the rage right now). Thanks for providing such excellent videos - and so frequently. You have so much energy!

[@TheAdiWeiss]

I thought I knew everything I needed to know to substitute yarn. WRONG! Thank you for this video. I learned so much.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you so much! I’m glad it was helpful!

[@cathycarbone1598]

Great examples!!

[@3_yarn_arts]

This is GOLDEN! I dreamed about such video for years! Thank you! I will be rewatching it quite often and I will make notes (seriously). Please, write a book on this topic 😍🫶

[@PatoAmador]

Super helpful video!!! Thanks!

[@sashataylor8154]

I am a comfortable knitter but I always get lost in the yarn jargon, this video has been so helpful 🥰

[@carolnewey6452]

So many good considerations!

[@littlesammyf7380]

I’m off to our local yarn festival in a few weeks, I part of a spinning and weaving demo on the Sunday afternoon with my guild, you Tayler are the inspiration behind my yarn shopping list, I want to make a Felix pullover, I very much enjoyed the wobble and drape demo in this video 😂 have a great break 😊